Tournament of Champions 2012

[bigfish1259]

I spoke with all the Champ owners and BBC members at the TOC this weekend and everyone said they would love to do it again next year, so we set a tentative date of Saturday October 13th 2012. The consensus was to try and make it bigger. One change was early entries, which Stan White says he can do if we go thru Cape Fair marina. Some of the members brought up having a buffet type dinner the night before with maybe some raffle drawings, and breakfast the morning of the tournament, this can be included in the entry fee and worked out with the restaurants, raffle prizes will come from sponsors. It was also recommended we make it a benefit tournament (October is breast cancer awareness month, or we can come up with another cause) but I would really like to see Mosher in a pink shirt, just kidding Matt. With a benefit tourney I know I can get some good draw prizes. A casting, pitchin, flipping contest was also brought up.

[bigfish1259]

We could even do a BBQ. I ask all the Champ owners to put their thinking caps on and see what we can come up with. Everyone needs to start working on local sponsors and I would like to get the flyer completed by February, so if they want their name or logo on it, we'll need it by then. Some of the events such as a BBQ will require cash funding whether by sponsors or owners. We can make this as big as everyone wants and on a national level, but remember this is a Champion Family tournament not a Tom tournament. and the bigger it is the more help I need, parking, events, etc. I don't mind coordinating it, just need more of the Champ Family to step up and help. If we want this to continue it's going to be the Owners who do it, there is no one else. If everyone wants it at another lake such as Grand lake, then someone close to there will have to take the lead on it and I will support them 100%.

[bigfish1259]

One other issue I discussed with everyone at the tournament was the Stratos Elites. All the Champ owners and BBC Members present were good with opening the tournament to include the 3 elite models if Stratos and Flippin would back the Champion name and help sponsor the TOC, maybe with a draw boat or something, This is where Jason Bragg and current elite owners can step up and help, maybe by pressuring your dealers, sponsors, and Flippin itself. If Stratos is sincere and wants the Champ Family to buy into these models when their ready to move up to a new rig now's your chance, we could set up some demo rides at the TOC. But if Stratos doesn't want to recognize the Champ name or TOC, the consensus was we'll be damned if we recognize theirs...

[MMosher]

Hey, I look good in pink! Seriously though there has got to be some yin and yang with P&E and TOC. If TOC dosn't get any support from them then we should give non in return. Just from a sales perspective P&E should remember that a LOT of sales have come from the TOC. Kelly Power said they sold about 25 boats at the old TOC each year. Dats some pretty good money to be made right there. I keep saying "baby steps, baby steps." The foundations there build a little at a time. We can't expect to have a 800 boat tourny over night.

Another thing discusssed was the weather was great but the fishing just sucked and the locals are a lot of fair weather fisherman. Plus here was the FLW tourny and Shriners touny going on AND October can be a tough month for the Rock. Make no doubts about it, Table Rock is Champion Country through and through. Bill Pace and Pat Duncan saw to that for a lot of years.

[champ188]

I like the idea of keeping this going, I was not in the position to make it this year but I am already making plans to attend next year. I agree with all that is purposed but even though the ChampioN Elites have Stratos badges, they are still ChampioN, I don't think that we should shun owners of those models just because we may or may not get support from Flippin. I say, lets get all the sponsors we can now and build it and continue to grow the event and believe me, we will get the support. JMO/

[jp71291]

It only makes sense for them to support this. If Champion owners aren't getting this support then they will be less app to buy a Stratos Elite. If former Champion owners aren't buying the new Elites then who will???? It should be a no brainer for them. Make them understand Lea.

[jp71291]

I will help in anyway I can Tom. Let me know what I can do. I really like the idea of the dinner the night before. This will make it even more like a "family" event. I didn't get a chance to visit with a lot of people and would have liked to. I will start working on sponsors here in Louisiana. I think I will have to try and get sponsors that are nationally based. I don't think a little tackle shop in Louisiana will give me anything for a tournament in MO. But it never hurts to ask.

[BassinBarrister]

I like the idea of a dinner or some sort the evening before because I did not stay at Flat Creek and missed meeting many of the Champ family. I'm planning on being there next year and would be glad to help Tom in any way he'd like.

I agree with the comment that if P&E wants to provide some support we should let the three Stratos rigs in, if not, then no.

[Steve 187]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bigfish1259 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> But if Stratos doesn't want to recognize the Champ name or TOC, the consensus was we'll be damned if we recognize theirs...</td></tr></table>

Well played Tom, well played!

[HaulinBass]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by MMosher &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">and the locals are a lot of fair weather fisherman.</td></tr></table>

Alright, getting the smack started early huh? Ow, that hurts.

[MMosher]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by HaulinBass &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Alright, getting the smack started early huh? Ow, that hurts.</td></tr></table>

Having lived on a lake for a bunch of years I can speak first hand that when the fishing sucked I'd stay home rather than cough up $$ for a tourny fee and rather take my chances when the fishing was good.

No offense met by my comment.

[Gunnar]

Tom - Thanks for what you have done to recreate a TOC this year and for stepping up with some ideas for the future... It is commendable and appreciated by all I'm sure...

Regarding the Stratos Elite question/proposal, I would suggest looking to find a good customer focused local dealer to approach with the idea of Co-Sponsorship? If such a dealer exists there would be strong incentive for them (I would think) to partner with the factory (assuming the factory is open to partnership) in stepping to the plate for a ChampioN/Elite event...

I like the idea of a Charity tie-in and perhaps (once identified) a year long effort controlled and posted and controlled on these pages to raise money for the charity could be set up... This would allow donations (however small) to be collected even from those who cannot attend the event...

Perhaps one of the talented people on these pages can help design an official T-shirt or hat on a Pre-order cash basis with a certain percentage going to the Charity...

Anyway, thanks again for the effort and *If* I can make it down next year - I vote for Bar-B-Q at least one night....

[Lea]

Please let the Elites in next year, whether or not PE agrees to help sponsor. That decision would not be the fault of owners, and it would be unfair to exclude them (most of whom have owned prior year Champs for years!) because of an investment company's decisions. They are incredible boats and, except for a few decals, they are pure Champion!

[R Warner]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Lea &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Please let the Elites in next year, whether or not PE agrees to help sponsor. That decision would not be the fault of owners, and it would be unfair to exclude them (most of whom have owned prior year Champs for years!) because of an investment company's decisions. They are incredible boats and, except for a few decals, they are pure Champion!

</td></tr></table>

Couldn't have been said any better! Please allow them to be there.

[bassfinder1]

I completely agree that the new elites should be there no matter what. They are standing behind us and repairing our boats so that shows that they are there for us. Like Lea said, still the same boat just diff. decals

[bigfish1259]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Gunnar &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Tom - Thanks for what you have done to recreate a TOC this year and for stepping up with some ideas for the future... It is commendable and appreciated by all I'm sure...

Regarding the Stratos Elite question/proposal, I would suggest looking to find a good customer focused local dealer to approach with the idea of Co-Sponsorship? If such a dealer exists there would be strong incentive for them (I would think) to partner with the factory (assuming the factory is open to partnership) in stepping to the plate for a ChampioN/Elite event...

I like the idea of a Charity tie-in and perhaps (once identified) a year long effort controlled and posted and controlled on these pages to raise money for the charity could be set up... This would allow donations (however small) to be collected even from those who cannot attend the event...

Perhaps one of the talented people on these pages can help design an official T-shirt or hat on a Pre-order cash basis with a certain percentage going to the Charity...

Anyway, thanks again for the effort and *If* I can make it down next year - I vote for Bar-B-Q at least one night.... </td></tr></table>

Great ideas Gunnar, Denny Morris may be able to do something on the shirts, with the benifit tourney we're looking at an 80% payback.
I was on a BBQ team for several years and did the Memphis in May cookoffs at Bass Pro, have several frinds who cater, also one of the Champ entrys at the TOC is coowner of Billy Sims BBQ in springfield and said they would be glad to cater...
I plan on talking with the Chamber of Commerce at Cape Fair and finding a restaurant or someplace with a large enough parking lot we can hold both the rally and buffet dinner the night before...

[bigfish1259]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Lea &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Please let the Elites in next year, whether or not PE agrees to help sponsor. That decision would not be the fault of owners, and it would be unfair to exclude them (most of whom have owned prior year Champs for years!) because of an investment company's decisions. They are incredible boats and, except for a few decals, they are pure Champion!

</td></tr></table>
As I said, I spoke with all 33 Champ entries about this issue, and all said they felt P.E., Flippin needed to step up and do something for the TOC, I think most are bitter because it looks like they are trying to kill off our brand while at the same time open our arms to theirs... I am more than willing to sit down, call or do what is necessary to talk with Jason Bragg, Randy Hopper or whoever to try and bridge this gap. I can't help but think they can do something to help the TOC, if I were selling boats in this economy I would do whatever it took to make the sell, that's just good business. It would also be nice to know we could use the Champ Logo for our own TOC without the threat of repercussion. I think it's time we put this issue to a vote among the Champ family and try and resolve it once and for all... Yes it is just a decal, but a corporate sponsor comes with it. Just remember if we don't try to work something out with P.E. now the chance of doing it in the future will most likely be impossible...

[HaulinBass]

None taken. TR can be a cruel mistress at times. It doesn't discriminate.

[hydrashack]

I think we are all kidding ourselves if we think that PE is going to really kick into the pot after there was 40 boat at this years event. Like Matt said earlier or on a different post baby steps.

If in a few years there is enough interest and momentum then PE would have to recognize the event.

This is just my 2 cents. PE is big business and with where things are at now, one tourney once a year isn't enough to get their attention. I love the idea of having this every year to support the Champion name, weather it is just Champions or Champs and Elites.

Looking forward to next years event. I will do my best to have my rig there.

[jp71291]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bigfish1259 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
As I said, I spoke with all 33 Champ entries about this issue, and all said they felt P.E., Flippin needed to step up and do something for the TOC, I think most are bitter because it looks like they are trying to kill off our brand while at the same time open our arms to theirs... I am more than willing to sit down, call or do what is necessary to talk with Jason Bragg, Randy Hopper or whoever to try and bridge this gap. I can't help but think they can do something to help the TOC, if I were selling boats in this economy I would do whatever it took to make the sell, that's just good business. It would also be nice to know we could use the Champ Logo for our own TOC without the threat of repercussion. I think it's time we put this issue to a vote among the Champ family and try and resolve it once and for all... Yes it is just a decal, but a corporate sponsor comes with it. Just remember if we don't try to work something out with P.E. now the chance of doing it in the future will most likely be impossible...</td></tr></table>

You know where I stand Tom.